1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,560 Good morning everyone glad you're here today 2 00:00:04,140 --> 00:00:10,340 My name is Junia and today's scripture reading is from Matthew 5 31 and 32 3 00:00:10,340 --> 00:00:15,040 That would be page 836 in the Bible's in the back of the pews 4 00:00:17,220 --> 00:00:23,140 So it was also said whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce 5 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:27,120 But I tell you everyone who divorces his wife 6 00:00:27,120 --> 00:00:30,120 Except in a case of sexual immorality 7 00:00:31,260 --> 00:00:33,260 causes her to commit adultery and 8 00:00:33,880 --> 00:00:37,360 Whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery 9 00:00:38,320 --> 00:00:40,320 This is God's Word 10 00:00:41,360 --> 00:00:47,280 I'm really glad that at the end of our scripture reading we say this is God's Word 11 00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:50,960 Especially today 12 00:00:51,120 --> 00:00:52,960 because 13 00:00:52,960 --> 00:00:54,720 God's Word 14 00:00:54,720 --> 00:00:59,600 according to 2nd Timothy chapter 3 verse 16 is 15 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:02,960 inspired by God and 16 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:08,600 Is profitable for teaching for rebuking and correcting and for training and righteousness 17 00:01:09,440 --> 00:01:11,500 So that the people of God 18 00:01:12,480 --> 00:01:18,200 May be complete equipped for every good work all of scripture 19 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:25,640 God breathed and useful for teaching and correcting us and so this morning we get to tackle 20 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:30,280 This scripture is one of the reasons why I also love when we go through books of the Bible 21 00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:33,280 in sequence because 22 00:01:33,960 --> 00:01:39,880 It's really easy as a pastor. I get to select what we teach I 23 00:01:40,600 --> 00:01:42,600 Could skip this 24 00:01:42,600 --> 00:01:48,840 Except that we said all scriptures God breathed all scriptures useful for us all scripture 25 00:01:49,160 --> 00:01:53,720 We need to be shaped and trained by so we're prepared and so today 26 00:01:54,440 --> 00:01:57,080 We come to Matthew 5 31 and 32 27 00:01:58,040 --> 00:02:00,040 You pray with me 28 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:05,480 God grant us grace and truth this morning as we go to your word 29 00:02:06,440 --> 00:02:10,520 May we open the eyes of our hearts to see your truth 30 00:02:10,520 --> 00:02:14,840 May our spirit be warmed to your love and your care and concern for us 31 00:02:15,400 --> 00:02:17,400 That you did not leave us be 32 00:02:17,720 --> 00:02:20,680 and all of our sin and all our chaos 33 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,880 But you have invited us in to relationship with you 34 00:02:24,920 --> 00:02:29,720 I pray that we would take that step as we study your word this morning in Jesus name. Amen 35 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:37,400 Well, some of you guys may know this but nearly half of all marriages in the United States 36 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:39,400 end in divorce 37 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:44,760 Nearly half of all marriages, but there's actually a caveat to that stat 38 00:02:45,320 --> 00:02:47,320 That's first time marriages 39 00:02:48,280 --> 00:02:51,560 Do you know what second time marriages what that stat is? 40 00:02:53,400 --> 00:02:58,360 63% of all second marriages end in divorce 41 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:01,480 And that doesn't include third marriages 42 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:05,000 And dot dot dot 43 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:07,240 And onward third marriages 44 00:03:08,280 --> 00:03:10,280 Nearly 75% 45 00:03:10,520 --> 00:03:12,520 ends in divorce 46 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:20,520 And the result what is the result of divorce when it enters into a family when it enters in to a marriage 47 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:23,720 It comes in divides life, right? 48 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:26,200 it divides 49 00:03:26,200 --> 00:03:27,720 possessions and 50 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:30,760 Physical goods it divides relationships 51 00:03:30,760 --> 00:03:34,040 You know that that person that was once called mom 52 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:36,120 mother-in-law 53 00:03:36,120 --> 00:03:38,360 Is now estranged oftentimes 54 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:44,360 That other person right now uncle that you really like to see had to choose a side 55 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:47,400 And they chose the side of their relative 56 00:03:48,040 --> 00:03:50,760 And now that good time you used to have 57 00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:53,560 Is now divided 58 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:56,760 You see it trickles down into all kinds of areas 59 00:03:56,760 --> 00:04:00,280 Let alone the effect that it has if children are involved 60 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:02,120 We know 61 00:04:02,120 --> 00:04:04,120 We see it all around 62 00:04:04,680 --> 00:04:11,960 Yes, there are ways that you can ease the impact that a divorce might have on children, but there's always an impact 63 00:04:13,240 --> 00:04:15,240 There's always an effect 64 00:04:16,440 --> 00:04:20,680 And so we have divided lives divided stuff divided families divided 65 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:26,760 Kids going here and going there 66 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:30,760 As a society 67 00:04:31,880 --> 00:04:37,160 As a society as whole as a whole we've we've bought into this idea of secularism 68 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:41,400 Modern secularism 69 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:47,480 One of its features is that you and I each individually are responsible for mapping out our 70 00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:49,480 Identity 71 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:51,640 Our identity 72 00:04:51,640 --> 00:04:54,600 We're in charge of choosing who we are in this world 73 00:04:55,640 --> 00:05:00,520 And laying it out and letting other people know this is who we want to be 74 00:05:02,040 --> 00:05:08,540 But that mapping out of our own identity is without reference point in modern secularism without rest reference point or relationship 75 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:15,320 To anything higher or larger anything outside of ourselves. We're told that we're supposed to look inside to find who we are 76 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:18,760 And then bring it out and everyone else if they're tolerant 77 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:24,360 We'll accept that and if they won't accept it, they're intolerant 78 00:05:26,040 --> 00:05:33,240 Another feature is that we've unhitched from all of the classic institutions that humans and people often found meaning and purpose in 79 00:05:33,960 --> 00:05:36,600 Things like religion on the decline 80 00:05:37,480 --> 00:05:39,960 Families torn apart as we've already talked about 81 00:05:40,760 --> 00:05:42,760 The institution of marriage 82 00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:48,840 no longer held sacred 50 percent of them first time marriages end in divorce 83 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:57,000 They are no longer places that we as a society go to find purpose and meaning for our lives 84 00:05:57,720 --> 00:06:00,920 Instead all of those institutions religion 85 00:06:01,480 --> 00:06:05,720 family marriage, they are all commanded to yield 86 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:09,000 To the great and mighty modern self 87 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:11,000 The individual 88 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:15,160 Who is self-defined and self-fulfilled? 89 00:06:15,960 --> 00:06:17,960 and self-centered 90 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:27,320 Marriage for instance has become merely a means to an end of gaining that self-chosen identity of the modern individual 91 00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:33,640 It's utilitarian in that marriage is good only if it makes me happy 92 00:06:33,640 --> 00:06:37,080 And helps me to feel fulfilled in this life 93 00:06:37,960 --> 00:06:43,160 marriage is only good if it allows me to become the best version of me 94 00:06:46,920 --> 00:06:51,160 If and when it ultimately no longer makes me happy and i'm no longer fulfilled by it 95 00:06:51,160 --> 00:06:56,760 And my spouse is no longer pleasing me or helping me to become the best version of me 96 00:06:57,320 --> 00:06:59,720 Instead of being the best version of me 97 00:06:59,720 --> 00:07:06,840 Or helping me to become the best version of me instead as anyone who's been married is often drawing out the worst part of me 98 00:07:11,560 --> 00:07:13,960 If that's the case, well it's ended 99 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:17,880 No fault divorce 100 00:07:19,380 --> 00:07:21,380 Irreconcilable differences 101 00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:24,440 No longer in love 102 00:07:25,540 --> 00:07:27,540 Financial disagreement 103 00:07:27,540 --> 00:07:29,540 All kinds of things go on the paper 104 00:07:31,540 --> 00:07:37,540 The deeper question that we have to talk about and wrestle with today is are we are you and I living? 105 00:07:38,580 --> 00:07:41,540 Truthfully when we live that way 106 00:07:42,740 --> 00:07:47,220 Are we living truthfully when we live according to the modern secular mindset? 107 00:07:48,500 --> 00:07:49,540 or 108 00:07:50,340 --> 00:07:55,540 Is there a greater reality a greater truth that you and I were made to live into? 109 00:07:55,540 --> 00:07:59,540 That's beyond that modern secular way 110 00:08:01,700 --> 00:08:07,860 Question is are we self-defined and independent to choose our own course of happiness in this world? 111 00:08:09,620 --> 00:08:19,220 Or are we created and absolutely dependent upon a creator who guides us to purpose in life 112 00:08:19,220 --> 00:08:26,020 The book of Romans has this one scripture. It's often quoted. I think I've probably quoted it many times in my sermons, but Romans chapter one 113 00:08:27,060 --> 00:08:29,060 beginning in verse 18 114 00:08:29,060 --> 00:08:33,460 Says that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all 115 00:08:34,100 --> 00:08:36,100 godlessness and unrighteousness of people 116 00:08:36,820 --> 00:08:38,820 Who by their own righteousness 117 00:08:39,140 --> 00:08:41,140 suppress the truth 118 00:08:41,700 --> 00:08:44,980 Since what can be known about God is evident among them 119 00:08:44,980 --> 00:08:51,540 Because God has shown it to them for his invisible attributes that is his eternal power and his divine nature 120 00:08:51,940 --> 00:08:58,100 Have been clearly seen since the creation of the world being understood through what he has made 121 00:08:59,540 --> 00:09:04,660 And as a result of all of that that his divine nature is seen clearly in all that he has made 122 00:09:05,940 --> 00:09:07,940 People are without excuse 123 00:09:09,460 --> 00:09:11,460 When they deny God 124 00:09:11,460 --> 00:09:20,020 For though they knew God they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude 125 00:09:21,540 --> 00:09:26,980 They did not glorify him as God or show gratitude those who refuse to recognize 126 00:09:27,460 --> 00:09:32,660 Those who refuse to worship and those who refuse to center their lives around their creator 127 00:09:32,900 --> 00:09:36,100 It goes on to say are then turned over in their rebellion 128 00:09:36,100 --> 00:09:42,900 They're turned over to their sinful way. They're turned over to their untruth that they're living as if it's truth 129 00:09:44,580 --> 00:09:47,060 And where does that road lead them according to Romans? 130 00:09:48,340 --> 00:09:51,140 deeper and deeper and deeper into sin 131 00:09:51,860 --> 00:09:56,820 deeper and deeper and deeper into deception of the heart and mind 132 00:09:57,700 --> 00:09:59,700 until 133 00:09:59,700 --> 00:10:06,500 They no longer know up from down given over to their choice 134 00:10:08,020 --> 00:10:11,140 It ultimately brings about destruction 135 00:10:15,300 --> 00:10:18,580 Do they glorify him as God did they show gratitude? 136 00:10:19,540 --> 00:10:21,540 Do they see that God 137 00:10:21,540 --> 00:10:27,700 The creator who's visible in everything that he has made is therefore worthy of praise and thanksgiving 138 00:10:28,500 --> 00:10:30,500 For he made me 139 00:10:31,140 --> 00:10:33,860 And if if i'm created 140 00:10:34,820 --> 00:10:36,820 That i'm dependent 141 00:10:37,220 --> 00:10:39,860 But if i'm self-defined I could be independent 142 00:10:40,820 --> 00:10:42,820 And that's oftentimes the mindset 143 00:10:43,620 --> 00:10:46,100 That the secular world wants to be independent 144 00:10:46,100 --> 00:10:51,380 And that's oftentimes the mindset that the secular world wants to promote among us 145 00:10:51,860 --> 00:10:57,540 The sermon on the mound which is where we're at today in matthew five really is to us an invitation 146 00:10:59,220 --> 00:11:05,380 It's an invitation to you and I to center our lives around the kingdom and the righteousness of God 147 00:11:06,740 --> 00:11:12,900 It isn't so much a law that jesus is laying out a new law that must be obeyed it's actually 148 00:11:12,900 --> 00:11:16,900 Something else altogether. It's actually more like a demand 149 00:11:19,620 --> 00:11:22,660 Not a law a demand 150 00:11:24,340 --> 00:11:26,340 His kingdom 151 00:11:26,820 --> 00:11:31,060 The king of kings kingdom must be just 152 00:11:32,900 --> 00:11:36,020 The king's kingdom must be good 153 00:11:37,700 --> 00:11:40,020 The king's kingdom must be holy 154 00:11:40,020 --> 00:11:42,020 The king's kingdom must be holy 155 00:11:43,540 --> 00:11:45,540 For he is all of those things 156 00:11:46,740 --> 00:11:49,060 And for his people they must be like him 157 00:11:50,340 --> 00:11:51,460 and so 158 00:11:51,460 --> 00:11:53,460 that includes how we 159 00:11:53,540 --> 00:11:55,540 Treat one another even 160 00:11:56,020 --> 00:11:59,700 In his kingdom, we will treat one another as he has treated us 161 00:12:01,780 --> 00:12:05,780 He's the king and so it's not a law a whole new set of laws that jesus is no 162 00:12:05,780 --> 00:12:09,060 It's simply the way of life of the kingdom 163 00:12:09,620 --> 00:12:13,700 It's the way of life of the kingdom and we are invited into this new way 164 00:12:14,420 --> 00:12:16,420 to be human 165 00:12:18,260 --> 00:12:20,500 We are to put off the world in its ways 166 00:12:20,980 --> 00:12:23,940 And move into life the kingdom way of life 167 00:12:24,660 --> 00:12:29,700 And that's what we're invited into and so when we approach a text like today, even if it's a difficult text for some 168 00:12:30,740 --> 00:12:34,100 I want that to be the background. I want that to be the noise behind it all 169 00:12:34,100 --> 00:12:36,740 Will I acknowledge god as god? 170 00:12:37,780 --> 00:12:39,780 And will I show gratitude for him? 171 00:12:40,420 --> 00:12:42,420 For who he is in my life 172 00:12:42,420 --> 00:12:44,820 Will I acknowledge that jesus's teaching? 173 00:12:45,380 --> 00:12:50,020 Even on divorce is an invitation into a new way to be a human 174 00:12:50,500 --> 00:12:52,740 Into a new life in the kingdom of god 175 00:12:53,300 --> 00:12:55,300 So that I can be like my king 176 00:12:56,020 --> 00:12:58,900 Who was holy I can be like my king who was good 177 00:13:00,500 --> 00:13:02,500 And so the text today is 178 00:13:02,500 --> 00:13:04,900 And so the text today in Matthew 5 179 00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:08,260 Verse 31 says 180 00:13:08,660 --> 00:13:10,420 It was also said 181 00:13:10,420 --> 00:13:12,420 Whoever divorces his wife 182 00:13:12,580 --> 00:13:15,140 Must give her a written notice of divorce 183 00:13:16,100 --> 00:13:20,920 But I tell you everyone who divorces his wife except in the case of sexual immorality 184 00:13:21,220 --> 00:13:25,700 Causes her to commit adultery and whoever marries a divorced woman commits 185 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:28,480 adultery 186 00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:32,880 This text begins with a reference to deuteronomy chapter 24 187 00:13:33,840 --> 00:13:35,680 verse 1 188 00:13:35,680 --> 00:13:39,120 And so it was said in deuteronomy chapter 24 verse 1 189 00:13:40,160 --> 00:13:42,160 If a man marries a woman 190 00:13:42,240 --> 00:13:45,040 But she becomes displeasing to him 191 00:13:45,680 --> 00:13:48,240 Because he finds something indecent about her 192 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:54,880 He may write her a divorce certificate hand it to her and send her away from his house 193 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:56,880 That's the you have heard it said 194 00:13:57,360 --> 00:13:59,360 You have heard it said 195 00:13:59,360 --> 00:14:02,080 That if she does something that displeases him 196 00:14:03,200 --> 00:14:05,600 Because he finds something indecent in her 197 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:10,880 He can write a divorce certificate and send her on his way her way and he is free 198 00:14:11,680 --> 00:14:13,680 to remarry 199 00:14:14,160 --> 00:14:17,120 And so it begins with that reference to deuteronomy 24 200 00:14:17,680 --> 00:14:23,840 And again, I want to point out that the text that jesus is speaking here in in matthew 5 is speaking in 201 00:14:23,840 --> 00:14:25,840 Matthew 5 is speaking to men again 202 00:14:26,400 --> 00:14:31,840 He's speaking to the men who are there and that's why we have the references from the man to the woman, right? 203 00:14:33,280 --> 00:14:38,800 It would seem in the old testament law at least that god has expressly allowed divorce 204 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:42,640 If man finds something indecent in his wife, right? 205 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:46,000 If he can find something indecent in his wife 206 00:14:47,280 --> 00:14:49,280 Then he is allowed to write her 207 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:55,920 A certificate of divorce now that that phrase indecent is actually a fairly obscure phrase 208 00:14:56,400 --> 00:14:59,200 In the hebrew and it means something like the nakedness of a thing 209 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:04,560 The nakedness of a thing so if he finds the nakedness of a thing in her 210 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:08,000 Then he can write that certificate 211 00:15:08,480 --> 00:15:15,460 And this could mean some sort of indecent exposure that she had actually what it can't mean is that she is unfaithful 212 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:18,720 Because there's a law for that 213 00:15:18,720 --> 00:15:20,720 And that is if she's unfaithful 214 00:15:20,960 --> 00:15:22,960 She is to be put to death 215 00:15:23,280 --> 00:15:25,280 So no divorce is needed 216 00:15:25,360 --> 00:15:27,360 If she was unfaithful 217 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:30,560 And 218 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:38,320 This interpretation what does this mean that a wife or that a husband might give a certificate of divorce even in jesus's day this 219 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:41,440 This thing was debated and interpreted differently 220 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:48,080 It was like what is it? What is that old testament deuteronomy 24? What is it actually saying in fact in 221 00:15:48,720 --> 00:15:54,240 Matthew 19 so a little few chapters later than the scripture that we're in matthew 19 beginning in verse 1 222 00:15:54,800 --> 00:16:00,800 It says when jesus had finished saying these things he departed from galilee and went to the region of judaea across the jordan 223 00:16:01,200 --> 00:16:03,760 Large crowds followed him and he healed them there 224 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:06,960 Some Pharisees approached him detest him 225 00:16:06,960 --> 00:16:12,800 They asked is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on any grounds? 226 00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:15,760 Can he divorce her on any grounds? 227 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:22,880 That right there is kind of a window into a discussion and a debate that was going on in the first century 228 00:16:23,680 --> 00:16:28,080 And this was a debate between two houses or two schools of thought 229 00:16:29,360 --> 00:16:35,120 One school of thought was called hillel or the house of hillel and one was the house of shemai and these two 230 00:16:35,120 --> 00:16:40,560 rabbinical thought ways of thinking about the scripture were being discussed and talked about 231 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:43,440 around jesus's time 232 00:16:44,400 --> 00:16:48,720 And the house or the school of thought of hillel interpreted deuteronomy 24 233 00:16:49,120 --> 00:16:56,560 To mean that a husband could divorce his wife for any cause what was indecent in his wife could be anything 234 00:16:57,600 --> 00:16:59,600 pretty wide open at least 235 00:16:59,920 --> 00:17:01,360 for instance 236 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:05,360 If she spoke a certain way to him that he didn't like 237 00:17:06,220 --> 00:17:08,220 Indecent i'd divorce you 238 00:17:09,040 --> 00:17:11,920 If she burned the food for dinner 239 00:17:13,420 --> 00:17:18,240 Divorce her that's indecent. So hillel said hey, it's pretty much 240 00:17:19,680 --> 00:17:22,400 Fair game if you if she doesn't make you happy 241 00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:26,160 Then you can divorce her 242 00:17:26,160 --> 00:17:32,960 She was more on the conservative side and shemai taught the house of shemai taught that no divorce 243 00:17:33,760 --> 00:17:37,300 Was only permitted in the case of infidelity 244 00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:42,880 Divorce was only permitted in the case of infidelity. That's another little bit of background information 245 00:17:42,880 --> 00:17:45,760 You need to know too is that in in the first century 246 00:17:47,260 --> 00:17:53,920 Executions for violations of the law were far fewer than they were back in the old testament when deuteronomy was written 247 00:17:53,920 --> 00:18:00,560 Rome had clamped down particularly around jesus's times on executions. They didn't want the jewish people just executing whoever they wanted 248 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:07,760 And so they clamped down on those executions. So what you had were people who were violating laws that required death 249 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:14,160 According to the torah the the jewish way of life, but they couldn't fully execute on those laws 250 00:18:15,680 --> 00:18:18,720 And so even you know, you have a situation 251 00:18:19,360 --> 00:18:20,320 where 252 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:22,320 The woman who was caught in adultery 253 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:24,320 They wanted to they wanted to stone her 254 00:18:24,720 --> 00:18:30,880 They didn't get away with it because jesus was there and it's not that there wasn't moments where mobs kind of rose up and did all kinds of things 255 00:18:30,880 --> 00:18:32,880 But rome loved peace 256 00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:35,520 Rome hated discord 257 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:40,640 And so the jewish people had to act in a certain way to maintain peace 258 00:18:42,160 --> 00:18:44,160 Shemai says hey, you know what? 259 00:18:44,800 --> 00:18:49,280 The only way that you can issue a certificate of divorce is infidelity 260 00:18:49,280 --> 00:18:51,280 Unfaithfulness 261 00:18:52,080 --> 00:18:55,440 And the truth is matthew 19 is actually an attempt by these 262 00:18:56,240 --> 00:19:02,080 Pharisees to trap jesus they want him to say something that will trip him up and get him ultimately 263 00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:06,720 The get the people who are there to turn away from him or turn against him 264 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:12,640 That's what their whole plan is and so they're using this as a trap and what is jesus's reply? 265 00:19:13,920 --> 00:19:16,560 To to their question. Is it lawful for a man to 266 00:19:16,560 --> 00:19:22,320 Divorce his wife on any grounds? Are you of the school of hillel or are you the school of shemai jesus? 267 00:19:23,120 --> 00:19:25,120 take your pick 268 00:19:25,120 --> 00:19:27,120 and jesus says 269 00:19:27,120 --> 00:19:29,120 Haven't you read 270 00:19:29,440 --> 00:19:32,080 That he who created them in the beginning 271 00:19:33,040 --> 00:19:35,040 Made them male and female 272 00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:41,200 And he also said for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife 273 00:19:41,360 --> 00:19:43,360 And the two will become one flesh 274 00:19:43,360 --> 00:19:49,120 So they are no longer two but one flesh therefore what god has joined together. Let no one separate 275 00:19:50,880 --> 00:19:56,880 Why then they asked him did moses command us to give divorce papers and to send her away 276 00:19:59,040 --> 00:20:05,120 Jesus told them moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts 277 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:08,720 But it was not like that from the beginning 278 00:20:08,720 --> 00:20:13,280 I tell you whoever divorces his wife except for sexual immorality 279 00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:16,240 And marries another commits adultery 280 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:24,880 Notice where jesus takes this argument he doesn't go back and quote another old testament law 281 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:31,440 He doesn't say doesn't it also say this but he says remember the god of creation 282 00:20:33,200 --> 00:20:35,200 Know the god of creation 283 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:39,760 Know the god of creation remember that behind all of this 284 00:20:40,240 --> 00:20:44,000 That you and I experience on a day-to-day basis there is god 285 00:20:44,720 --> 00:20:47,120 Who was there from the beginning and before? 286 00:20:47,920 --> 00:20:50,880 And he did it for a purpose and a reason everything 287 00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:54,240 And so 288 00:20:54,240 --> 00:21:00,480 At the beginning jesus is basically doing the opposite of what the people are accused of romans of doing right they wouldn't acknowledge 289 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:03,120 God or give him thanks. He's saying look at the people 290 00:21:03,120 --> 00:21:05,760 Look at what he did he made man 291 00:21:06,640 --> 00:21:08,240 He made woman 292 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:10,240 And he said when they joined together 293 00:21:11,360 --> 00:21:13,840 Something happens and let's talk a little bit more about that 294 00:21:16,880 --> 00:21:21,120 What god intended from the beginning that's where jesus anchors his response 295 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:24,480 Marriage 296 00:21:24,480 --> 00:21:27,600 Is the joining together of one man and one woman? 297 00:21:28,240 --> 00:21:30,240 in such a way 298 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:33,440 That they become as one flesh 299 00:21:34,080 --> 00:21:36,080 inseparable 300 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:38,080 No longer two 301 00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:40,560 one 302 00:21:42,960 --> 00:21:44,160 So 303 00:21:44,160 --> 00:21:46,160 Who did the joining though? 304 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:50,560 That's interesting to see here in this text who did the joining because 305 00:21:51,040 --> 00:21:57,520 Man left his father and mother and yes joined sexually and materially and physically with his wife. Yes 306 00:21:57,520 --> 00:21:59,760 But then it says that god 307 00:22:00,640 --> 00:22:02,880 Has ultimately joined them together 308 00:22:04,640 --> 00:22:07,760 And no one is to undo the joining that god has done 309 00:22:10,160 --> 00:22:12,480 So are you married who's married here today 310 00:22:15,440 --> 00:22:17,440 So you you thought of a date 311 00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:22,320 You chose a date when you would get married right you you did that right? 312 00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:25,200 You thought of a date 313 00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:27,840 You thought of who you were going to send your invitations to 314 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:32,000 And you did that you you chose your spouse 315 00:22:32,480 --> 00:22:33,920 hopefully 316 00:22:33,920 --> 00:22:38,000 Unless it's an arranged marriage that i'm not aware of in here, but you chose your spouse 317 00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:40,480 and they chose you 318 00:22:41,360 --> 00:22:46,640 And you walked you you you decided on what vows maybe it was that cookie cutter vows 319 00:22:46,640 --> 00:22:49,600 Right that were passed around from pastor to pastor 320 00:22:50,240 --> 00:22:53,200 Or maybe it was your own special 321 00:22:53,200 --> 00:22:56,480 Vows that you can't remember like me and my wife 322 00:22:57,120 --> 00:22:59,120 Because we didn't write them down 323 00:23:00,960 --> 00:23:04,960 Whatever it is yes, we did that we chose that we we showed up on the day 324 00:23:04,960 --> 00:23:10,560 We walked down the aisle. We stood in front of our witnesses and we said I do 325 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:14,560 Behind all of that something else happened 326 00:23:16,240 --> 00:23:20,400 Something that is far more significant and far more binding 327 00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:22,400 Than what we did 328 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:24,880 God did something 329 00:23:25,520 --> 00:23:27,520 Behind all of that 330 00:23:28,080 --> 00:23:30,080 When it's said and done 331 00:23:30,080 --> 00:23:34,960 In the presence of god the bible says that the ultimate fusing of the two 332 00:23:35,360 --> 00:23:41,200 Into one was done by god and it was a permanent union in his mind 333 00:23:45,440 --> 00:23:47,840 The scripture tells us that divorce was a consistent 334 00:23:47,840 --> 00:23:50,640 The scripture tells us that divorce was a concession 335 00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:54,880 Because of hardness of heart 336 00:23:55,680 --> 00:24:03,920 That divorce was a concession because otherwise as humans under the curse of sin we would do terrible things to one another 337 00:24:05,680 --> 00:24:07,680 If we were bound to the level 338 00:24:08,080 --> 00:24:10,080 That god intended us to be bound 339 00:24:10,560 --> 00:24:12,560 And actually views us as bound 340 00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:15,840 And so there's a concession, but it is not a concession 341 00:24:15,840 --> 00:24:17,840 It's a concession 342 00:24:17,840 --> 00:24:23,440 Rooted in god's creative intent. It's a concession rooted in our sinfulness 343 00:24:25,680 --> 00:24:29,120 And our inability to keep his commands 344 00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:36,720 Notice that 345 00:24:37,760 --> 00:24:39,760 The pharisees say 346 00:24:39,760 --> 00:24:46,400 Demanded us to give a certificate of divorce if we find anything in our lives that make us unhappy 347 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:49,520 But actually that's not what the scripture said 348 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:51,840 The scripture said you may 349 00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:56,000 And jesus actually picks up on that in the way that he says it he says 350 00:24:56,720 --> 00:24:58,800 Moses didn't command he permitted you 351 00:24:59,520 --> 00:25:01,520 Because of the hardness of your heart 352 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:08,560 Both in matthew 5 and matthew 19 we do see though that there is one exception isn't there? 353 00:25:09,440 --> 00:25:11,440 One exception to this 354 00:25:11,440 --> 00:25:13,440 Binding together in marriage 355 00:25:14,960 --> 00:25:16,960 Says sexual immorality 356 00:25:18,480 --> 00:25:20,480 If a man divorces his wife 357 00:25:20,960 --> 00:25:22,960 Except in the case of sexual immorality 358 00:25:23,760 --> 00:25:25,760 He causes her to become an adulterer 359 00:25:27,760 --> 00:25:29,760 What is sexual immorality let's talk about that a little bit 360 00:25:29,760 --> 00:25:31,760 It's this term 361 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:33,760 Pornaya 362 00:25:33,760 --> 00:25:38,480 And the term pornea doesn't so much describe a particular act or sexual act 363 00:25:39,040 --> 00:25:45,760 As so much as it is a kind of catch-all phrase for anything that extends beyond the intent and boundaries 364 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:48,640 That god has set for sexual intimacy 365 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:55,760 Anything that goes is sexual in nature and goes beyond god's intent and purpose 366 00:25:56,320 --> 00:25:58,320 For sexual union is pornea 367 00:25:58,320 --> 00:26:04,720 Or sexual immorality is from that greek word we get words that you definitely would recognize like pornography 368 00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:10,800 Pornography we talked about this last week is a form of adultery of the heart 369 00:26:13,760 --> 00:26:15,760 It's pornea 370 00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:22,480 Infidelity which is physical adultery actually taking the steps to follow through 371 00:26:22,480 --> 00:26:28,400 Rape which is forced sex against will pornea sexual immorality 372 00:26:30,160 --> 00:26:35,120 Anything that would sexually harm your spouse even in the confines of a marriage 373 00:26:36,080 --> 00:26:38,080 Would be sexually immoral 374 00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:40,960 Going beyond god's intent 375 00:26:42,160 --> 00:26:44,160 Sexual sin 376 00:26:45,520 --> 00:26:49,920 And these sexual sins is pornea violate the covenantal bonds of the heart 377 00:26:49,920 --> 00:26:53,440 And these sexual sins is pornea violate the covenantal bonds of marriage 378 00:26:54,480 --> 00:27:00,640 Either by going outside of the marriage for self-gratification or staying within the marriage, but taking what is not given 379 00:27:03,840 --> 00:27:10,240 Sexual immorality is the only exception that jesus provides here because that is the context for the question. He's being asked 380 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:14,000 What 381 00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:16,080 What was permitted with divorce 382 00:27:16,080 --> 00:27:21,440 So it does leave the question. Is this the only exception that is given in the bible for divorce? 383 00:27:24,400 --> 00:27:30,240 First corinthians chapter 7 verse 15 is the only other place with an additional exception 384 00:27:31,760 --> 00:27:38,240 First corinthians 7 15 gives one additional exception that paul writes to the church in corinth 385 00:27:38,240 --> 00:27:40,240 He says if an unbelieving spouse 386 00:27:41,340 --> 00:27:43,340 Abandons a believing spouse 387 00:27:43,340 --> 00:27:46,620 The a believing spouse is free from that marriage 388 00:27:48,140 --> 00:27:50,940 So abandonment by an unbelieving spouse 389 00:27:53,420 --> 00:27:59,980 You notice it says unbelieving a believing spouse can't abandon his wife and free the marriage 390 00:28:01,260 --> 00:28:03,260 an unbelieving spouse 391 00:28:04,620 --> 00:28:06,620 Fleeing or abandoning 392 00:28:07,180 --> 00:28:11,340 Is the only other exception that's laid out matthew back in matthew 5 32 393 00:28:11,340 --> 00:28:13,340 It has an interesting ending to it 394 00:28:14,620 --> 00:28:19,740 Because it says i tell you everyone who divorces his wife except in the case of sexual immorality 395 00:28:20,220 --> 00:28:24,700 Causes her to commit adultery and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery 396 00:28:27,020 --> 00:28:30,700 So what does it mean causes her to commit adultery 397 00:28:31,660 --> 00:28:33,100 if a man 398 00:28:33,100 --> 00:28:35,820 divorces a woman's wife without cause 399 00:28:36,700 --> 00:28:39,260 Not because she she fails to commit adultery 400 00:28:39,260 --> 00:28:46,780 With not because she she failed sexually she went outside of the marriage or she engages some sort of sexual immorality if a husband 401 00:28:47,320 --> 00:28:48,940 divorces her 402 00:28:48,940 --> 00:28:50,940 without cause 403 00:28:51,020 --> 00:28:53,020 He causes her 404 00:28:53,260 --> 00:28:55,500 To become an adultery adulterer 405 00:28:56,860 --> 00:28:58,860 She commits adultery 406 00:28:59,180 --> 00:29:01,180 so in context 407 00:29:01,900 --> 00:29:06,460 A woman was almost universally expected to remarry if her husband divorced her 408 00:29:06,460 --> 00:29:10,860 In the first century it was not good for a woman to live alone 409 00:29:10,860 --> 00:29:18,700 Especially a younger woman who was of marrying age it was almost universally expected that she would remarry after a divorce 410 00:29:19,900 --> 00:29:24,140 And jesus is saying here that if a man divorces his wife without cause 411 00:29:24,780 --> 00:29:28,220 When she remarries out of necessity and provision and protection 412 00:29:29,580 --> 00:29:32,700 She will be committing adultery by being with another man 413 00:29:32,700 --> 00:29:39,420 By being with another man and the man who marries her will be committing adultery for being with another man's wife 414 00:29:42,140 --> 00:29:47,820 And there's debate over that wording he causes her 415 00:29:49,980 --> 00:29:52,780 And the debate is who gets the guilt 416 00:29:55,260 --> 00:29:58,860 Is it the man who initiated the divorce without cause 417 00:29:58,860 --> 00:30:02,380 And then the woman who needed to get married for protection and provision 418 00:30:03,580 --> 00:30:10,380 Who then commits adultery because he caused her to is he the original husband who did that the guilty one? 419 00:30:11,340 --> 00:30:15,500 The guilt and carrying the guilt for her and for the man who remarried her 420 00:30:17,740 --> 00:30:19,740 Or is it on them 421 00:30:20,620 --> 00:30:24,700 And that has been debated and discussed and I think this is where I land 422 00:30:25,260 --> 00:30:27,260 This is John I not the lord 423 00:30:27,260 --> 00:30:29,260 I not the lord 424 00:30:29,420 --> 00:30:31,260 I land 425 00:30:31,260 --> 00:30:33,260 That I don't think god 426 00:30:33,260 --> 00:30:35,260 Is looking to punish the victims 427 00:30:35,580 --> 00:30:37,580 of an unjust 428 00:30:37,660 --> 00:30:39,660 divorce 429 00:30:40,060 --> 00:30:46,320 In this context a woman looking for provision and protection who will remarry 430 00:30:47,740 --> 00:30:49,740 The man who initiated it will carry the guilt 431 00:30:52,620 --> 00:30:54,300 My take 432 00:30:54,300 --> 00:31:01,420 Again, I read four different commentaries and we went back and forth me and Craig Keener. I'm just kidding 433 00:31:04,460 --> 00:31:07,580 Sorry, I was naming commentaries that no one would know 434 00:31:11,100 --> 00:31:15,900 But there's something else though that is interesting about that how can it be adultery 435 00:31:17,820 --> 00:31:19,820 After they've gotten a divorce 436 00:31:19,820 --> 00:31:23,740 And I think that's even the more profound thing in his teaching 437 00:31:24,220 --> 00:31:26,220 Is that for it to be adultery? 438 00:31:26,220 --> 00:31:28,220 It means that the divorce 439 00:31:28,220 --> 00:31:31,260 Didn't remove the moral obligation of the marriage 440 00:31:32,300 --> 00:31:35,100 That in god's eyes, they were still married 441 00:31:36,780 --> 00:31:38,780 Even after the divorce 442 00:31:38,780 --> 00:31:40,780 Let no man 443 00:31:40,780 --> 00:31:42,780 Separate what god has bound 444 00:31:42,780 --> 00:31:48,540 Even after the divorce they're still morally bound to one another before god. I think that's the interesting part 445 00:31:48,540 --> 00:31:52,060 So listen to how first corinthians chapter 7 verse 10 and 11 446 00:31:53,100 --> 00:31:54,620 Say this 447 00:31:54,620 --> 00:31:56,620 To the married I give the command 448 00:31:57,180 --> 00:31:58,700 Not I 449 00:31:58,700 --> 00:32:02,780 But the lord I borrowed a little bit of paul earlier when I said I but not the lord 450 00:32:03,420 --> 00:32:09,820 To the married I give this command not I but the lord a wife is not to leave her husband 451 00:32:10,700 --> 00:32:12,700 But if she leaves 452 00:32:13,020 --> 00:32:15,020 She must remain unmarried 453 00:32:15,740 --> 00:32:17,740 Or be married 454 00:32:17,740 --> 00:32:19,740 Or be reconciled to her husband 455 00:32:19,740 --> 00:32:21,740 And a husband must not divorce his wife 456 00:32:25,740 --> 00:32:31,740 Leave and divorce are kind of equivalent actions at this time and place where paul wrote this 457 00:32:32,620 --> 00:32:37,100 A man had a legal recourse he could take that was called divorce a woman could leave 458 00:32:37,580 --> 00:32:40,780 And maybe didn't have the same legal recourse, but they're the same thing 459 00:32:41,740 --> 00:32:43,740 At least in principle 460 00:32:43,740 --> 00:32:47,660 And so don't hear two different things a man divorces, but a wife leaves 461 00:32:48,540 --> 00:32:53,260 They're both the same principle and what he says is that underneath it all 462 00:32:54,140 --> 00:32:56,140 If they leave 463 00:32:56,140 --> 00:33:01,340 Even if they leave they're still obligated to remain unmarried or to remarry 464 00:33:03,100 --> 00:33:05,100 That's their obligation 465 00:33:05,100 --> 00:33:07,100 Remember he's talking to believers too 466 00:33:07,100 --> 00:33:09,100 He's talking to believers 467 00:33:09,100 --> 00:33:15,340 And he said your obligation as a believer is if you do leave your husband or wife you remain unmarried 468 00:33:16,940 --> 00:33:21,180 And seek with all your heart to be reconciled because this thing isn't broken yet 469 00:33:22,060 --> 00:33:23,820 This bond isn't broken 470 00:33:23,820 --> 00:33:25,820 Just because you walked 471 00:33:25,820 --> 00:33:27,820 out of the door 472 00:33:30,940 --> 00:33:37,500 You are obligated to remain unmarried or be reconciled why because remarriage to another person would add adultery 473 00:33:37,500 --> 00:33:39,500 as a sin 474 00:33:39,500 --> 00:33:42,220 To the separating what God has already joined together 475 00:33:43,180 --> 00:33:49,180 If you remarry and you sleep with presumably you have sexual relations with your husband your new husband or wife 476 00:33:49,180 --> 00:33:53,900 You are adding the sin of adultery to already separating the bonds of marriage 477 00:33:53,900 --> 00:33:57,980 You're adding sin upon sin upon sin 478 00:33:59,500 --> 00:34:01,500 The question is will we live 479 00:34:03,500 --> 00:34:05,500 Will we live 480 00:34:05,500 --> 00:34:09,500 As if we are self-defined and independent 481 00:34:09,500 --> 00:34:17,500 Or as if we are created and dependent receiving what is good from our creator who is good 482 00:34:17,500 --> 00:34:21,500 This is always the question when we come to the word of God 483 00:34:21,500 --> 00:34:29,500 Will we believe God for what is good or will we redefine good and evil in our own eyes and take what God forbids 484 00:34:29,500 --> 00:34:33,500 Which by the way he only forbids because it's not for our good 485 00:34:33,500 --> 00:34:37,500 Because he's good and he wants what is good for us and so he forbids it 486 00:34:37,500 --> 00:34:43,500 Will we though redefine good and evil and take what is not good for ourselves 487 00:34:43,500 --> 00:34:47,500 He knows us because he created us and he knows us 488 00:34:47,500 --> 00:34:49,500 And he wants good for us because he is good 489 00:34:49,500 --> 00:34:53,500 I realize as I as I'm going through this 490 00:34:55,500 --> 00:35:01,500 Some of you for some of you in this room this isn't theological this isn't some high discussion this is personal 491 00:35:01,500 --> 00:35:05,500 Life experience 492 00:35:05,500 --> 00:35:13,500 I wouldn't be surprised in a room like this if there's not someone who falls under almost every heading or at least knows someone 493 00:35:15,500 --> 00:35:19,500 Some have endured difficult and trying years 494 00:35:19,500 --> 00:35:23,500 Some of you have experienced divorce 495 00:35:23,500 --> 00:35:25,500 Some because you chose it 496 00:35:25,500 --> 00:35:29,500 And some because it was thrust on you 497 00:35:29,500 --> 00:35:33,500 Even when you fought to save your marriage 498 00:35:33,500 --> 00:35:43,500 I also realized that there are a number of reasons why divorce might have happened that fall outside of the oversimplification of we just fell out of love 499 00:35:43,500 --> 00:35:51,500 And I realized that in a fallen world abuse both physical and mental is a real issue 500 00:35:51,500 --> 00:35:55,500 And that humans do terrible things to one another 501 00:35:55,500 --> 00:36:03,500 And I think that comes into play from a pastoral standpoint when you're dealing with each individual unique situation 502 00:36:03,500 --> 00:36:07,500 It doesn't negate the word of God 503 00:36:07,500 --> 00:36:09,500 It does not at all 504 00:36:09,500 --> 00:36:15,500 That's why I hope I preached it as clear as possible today 505 00:36:15,500 --> 00:36:19,500 And there's more that I could have done I just you guys probably don't want to be here all day 506 00:36:19,500 --> 00:36:29,500 But I also know this and I think you'd have to admit this that the heart is deceitful 507 00:36:29,500 --> 00:36:37,500 I heard a pastor say 95% of the time everyone here will do what they want 508 00:36:37,500 --> 00:36:41,500 And then afterward find a reason to justify it 509 00:36:41,500 --> 00:36:47,500 And we can turn things around and say we're going to do what we want 510 00:36:47,500 --> 00:36:49,500 And we can turn things 511 00:36:49,500 --> 00:36:52,500 Listen, real talk, right? 512 00:36:52,500 --> 00:36:59,500 There is legitimately abuse that happens in the confines of marriage that is terrible and horrible 513 00:36:59,500 --> 00:37:01,500 And God does not approve 514 00:37:01,500 --> 00:37:03,500 And we do not approve 515 00:37:05,500 --> 00:37:10,500 And we believe that in the context of a community of faith we can be here for one another 516 00:37:10,500 --> 00:37:16,500 If you're in a situation where you're abused in the context of a relationship come talk to me 517 00:37:16,500 --> 00:37:20,500 We will work this out, you don't have to go back 518 00:37:20,500 --> 00:37:23,500 We will work it out 519 00:37:23,500 --> 00:37:27,500 But I also know, in my own heart at least 520 00:37:27,500 --> 00:37:36,500 That I can call all kinds of things by different names in order to justify my sinful inclination 521 00:37:36,500 --> 00:37:38,500 I know that's also true 522 00:37:38,500 --> 00:37:43,500 And so I know that we have to weigh this very heavily 523 00:37:43,500 --> 00:37:45,500 It is not easy 524 00:37:45,500 --> 00:37:49,500 This is not a simple teaching 525 00:37:49,500 --> 00:37:53,500 I told my wife to pack our bags before I got up here 526 00:37:53,500 --> 00:37:57,500 Just in case we had to run to the car really quick 527 00:38:00,500 --> 00:38:02,500 Half jokingly 528 00:38:06,500 --> 00:38:08,500 The heart is deceitful 529 00:38:10,500 --> 00:38:13,500 And we often do whatever we want 530 00:38:13,500 --> 00:38:16,500 That will bring us our greatest happiness, we think 531 00:38:16,500 --> 00:38:21,500 And we try to collect different reasons to justify it in retrospect 532 00:38:22,500 --> 00:38:28,500 And I believe that these scriptures out of Matthew, 1 Corinthians, draw us back 533 00:38:28,500 --> 00:38:30,500 When we want to go down that path 534 00:38:30,500 --> 00:38:34,500 We want our own happiness to trump everything else 535 00:38:34,500 --> 00:38:38,500 And we don't want to collect all the reasons and justifications so that we can come and say 536 00:38:38,500 --> 00:38:41,500 I had to or it was the right thing to do 537 00:38:41,500 --> 00:38:44,500 I think these scriptures draw us back to sobriety 538 00:38:44,500 --> 00:38:49,500 Where we have to actually stop and go, oh, I've got to contend with God 539 00:38:53,500 --> 00:38:57,500 These scriptures, in drawing us back 540 00:38:57,500 --> 00:39:01,500 They draw us back to the purpose that God has in this world for us 541 00:39:01,500 --> 00:39:05,500 And specifically the purpose that God has in our marriages 542 00:39:05,500 --> 00:39:10,500 Marriage is the most difficult of all relationships 543 00:39:10,500 --> 00:39:12,500 Can I get an amen? 544 00:39:15,500 --> 00:39:19,500 Marriage is the most difficult of all relationships because 545 00:39:19,500 --> 00:39:23,500 It is the most glorious and beautiful symbol 546 00:39:23,500 --> 00:39:27,500 Of the union of Christ and his bride 547 00:39:27,500 --> 00:39:30,500 Ever to grace this world 548 00:39:30,500 --> 00:39:35,500 Did you know that the meaning of marriage behind all of the struggles 549 00:39:35,500 --> 00:39:38,500 Behind every discussion and every argument about finances 550 00:39:38,500 --> 00:39:41,500 And every moment of joy and every moment of sorrow is this 551 00:39:41,500 --> 00:39:45,500 That marriage is meant to display to all of creation 552 00:39:45,500 --> 00:39:50,500 The union of Christ and his bride, the church, the people of God 553 00:39:51,500 --> 00:39:55,500 And the question that creation is asking, leaning in is 554 00:39:55,500 --> 00:39:57,500 Will he leave her? 555 00:39:57,500 --> 00:40:00,500 Will he abandon her? 556 00:40:03,500 --> 00:40:06,500 Will he seek his own happiness over her good? 557 00:40:12,500 --> 00:40:14,500 Did he lay down his life for her? 558 00:40:15,500 --> 00:40:16,500 To save her? 559 00:40:17,500 --> 00:40:20,500 Has he given all that he has for her? 560 00:40:20,500 --> 00:40:25,500 To save her? Has he given all that he has for her? 561 00:40:27,500 --> 00:40:31,500 Has he endured greatly her waywardness, her wandering 562 00:40:31,500 --> 00:40:34,500 And her sin against him? 563 00:40:36,500 --> 00:40:39,500 Has he washed her with the water of the word? 564 00:40:39,500 --> 00:40:44,500 And is he presenting her to himself, holy and blameless? 565 00:40:44,500 --> 00:40:51,500 The world's watching marriage as the great display 566 00:40:51,500 --> 00:40:57,500 The glorious signpost of Christ and his beloved 567 00:40:59,500 --> 00:41:02,500 I'll tell you this, I don't have time to go through all of 568 00:41:02,500 --> 00:41:05,500 The personal experiences that are probably represented in this room 569 00:41:05,500 --> 00:41:09,500 That would be the most pastoral thing to do is to sit down and just 570 00:41:09,500 --> 00:41:10,500 Let's go to town 571 00:41:10,500 --> 00:41:14,500 And all the factors that have led to a particular divorce 572 00:41:14,500 --> 00:41:17,500 Or a particular remarriage 573 00:41:19,500 --> 00:41:23,500 And the applications that come from all that would be way too numerous to cover 574 00:41:25,500 --> 00:41:29,500 If you are wondering though about your situation 575 00:41:30,500 --> 00:41:32,500 Then I just say let's talk 576 00:41:33,500 --> 00:41:34,500 Let's talk 577 00:41:34,500 --> 00:41:35,500 You and I 578 00:41:35,500 --> 00:41:36,500 Let's talk 579 00:41:36,500 --> 00:41:41,500 You and I 580 00:41:41,500 --> 00:41:43,500 We can go to God's word together 581 00:41:43,500 --> 00:41:46,500 We can see how he wants us to respond 582 00:41:47,500 --> 00:41:51,500 Through repentance, confession and faith 583 00:41:51,500 --> 00:41:55,500 There's great forgiveness for our past sins 584 00:41:56,500 --> 00:42:00,500 But in keeping with the other side 585 00:42:00,500 --> 00:42:05,500 I have to say true repentance requires prayer 586 00:42:05,500 --> 00:42:08,500 Requires brokenness over the sin 587 00:42:09,500 --> 00:42:12,500 Indignation toward the sin 588 00:42:12,500 --> 00:42:35,500 And a desire to make things right